Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Starting Counseling - Part 2
Most people wait over 8 years to reach out for help. At Compass Counseling you can get help today, by getting some control back in your life and sharing the load with a trusted professional.
This post is the second in a series titled, “The Top 10 Questions to ask before you start counseling.”
#7 Can you help me with my insurance?
Insurance is tricky sometimes. If you understand exactly what your benefits are and how “outpatient mental health counseling” is covered (that is the term that is used when you check, then great! However, if you will need help with this, it is important to ask your therapist or counseling office if this is something they can do. Verifying your benefits is important because it will tell you exactly what you copay, deductible or out of pocket will be for each visit.
#6 Do you specialize in what I need help with?
When you are considering starting counseling or therapy, it is important to explain in general why you are looking to begin. You do not have to share every detail of your problem, but a basic explanation of grief, trauma, marriage issues, stress, panic, depression, etc will be important to make sure that you are finding someone who has experience in that particular area.
If you have the choice, it is important to work with a specialist when you can. Just like you visit your primary care doctor for general health issues, if you need surgery you try to find a surgeon.
#5 What is the cancellation policy?
Every therapist and counseling office will have a cancellation policy. This is because most therapists or counselors only get paid when their clients are present for their appointment, whether in person or online counseling. Therapists and counseling groups set aside large amounts of time for their clients in most cases. Although many times there is a generous window to cancel your appointment if you need to reschedule, most therapists will have fees or limits on same day cancellations or not showing up for your appointment. This will be important information for you to have as a new client.
To schedule an appointment with a licensed therapist at Compass Counseling in